Car theft is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for the victim. Whether you’re buying a used car or want to check the history of your vehicle, a stolen car check is an essential tool to help you stay safe and avoid potential legal issues.
Both the police and insurer databases will quickly flag the vehicle as “stolen,” making it visible to ANPR cameras on the road. You could face serious legal consequences, including prosecution, if caught driving a stolen vehicle. Therefore, checking if a car has been reported stolen before purchasing a used vehicle is crucial to avoid any potential legal and safety issues.
Why is it essential to check if a car is stolen?
It’s essential to check if a vehicle is stolen before purchasing it. Not only can driving a stolen car be dangerous, but it can also result in legal and financial consequences.
It can be challenging to tell if a vehicle is stolen just by its appearance, as stolen cars can look like any other car on the road. However, a paid car check can reveal the vehicle’s history, including whether it’s been reported stolen.
It’s important to note that this information is not freely available, so be wary of vendors who claim to offer a “free stolen check.” If you purchase a stolen vehicle, the police will reclaim it, and you will lose your money. Therefore, running a stolen car check is essential to protect yourself and ensure a smooth car-buying process.
What’s included in our police stolen car check report?
Our police stolen vehicle check report provides valuable information on whether the vehicle you’re interested in has been reported as stolen. The report includes data from the Police National Computer (PNC) and Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which records all stolen and recovered vehicles in the UK.
Our report will reveal if the vehicle has been flagged as stolen and provide details on the following:
- Live tax status
- Date of the theft
- Stolen police force
- Vehicle information
- Warning flag if the vehicle has been reported as stolen
- Basic car check information such as mileage and MOT status.
What would happen if I had bought a stolen car?
If you unknowingly bought a stolen car, getting your money back is unlikely. Your insurance company may investigate and decide whether to cover the loss, which could take months. If they determine the car was bought in good faith and your policy is valid, you may receive partial reimbursement, which is not guaranteed.
You must check your insurance policy or talk to your insurer to see if you’re covered if you unknowingly buy a stolen car. There’s always a risk of losing money, so it’s crucial to check if a car is stolen by license plate before purchasing a vehicle.
How to avoid buying a stolen vehicle?
When buying a used car, exercising caution is always wise, even though most private sellers are legitimate. Here is what you should do to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle:
- Check the seller’s address and make sure it matches the address on the V5C logbook.
- Avoid meeting in isolated locations like pub car parks or lay-bys.
- Only buy a car with a V5C logbook.
- Verify the V5C document against MOT documents and service history.
- Look for a DVLA watermark on the logbook.
- Avoid logbooks with serial numbers between BG8229501 to BG9999030 or BI2305501 to BI2800000, as they may be stolen.
- Ensure the VIN/chassis number on the car matches the one in the logbook.
- Be wary of vehicles offered at significantly below market value. Check your current market value of the car for free at check car value by using the vehicle VRM number.
- Avoid cash transactions as they don’t provide proof of purchase.
- Spend a few pounds on a DVLA stolen car check to verify the sale.
- Be aware of virtual vehicle scams when buying cars online.
FAQ
1.How do you check if a car is stolen?
In the UK, you can verify if a car is stolen by conducting a car history check using the car’s registration number. To perform the check, you will need to provide the car’s registration number and pay a fee (if applicable). The service will then search various databases, including the Police National Computer (PNC), to determine if the car has been reported as stolen.
2.Are there any free stolen car checks?
Many online services offer free stolen vehicle checks, but they often come with certain limitations and require a lot of personal information. However, if you’re seeking a more reliable and affordable option, consider using a service like freecarhistorycheck’s stolen vehicle check. By paying as little as £9.99, you can receive an instant HPI check report covering a thorough stolen vehicle check.
3.How do I report a car stolen?
If your vehicle has been stolen in the UK, you should take the following steps:
- Report the theft to the police as soon as possible. You can do this by calling 101 or visiting your local police station.
- Contact your insurance company and inform them of the theft. They will advise you on the next steps you need to take.
- Inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) about the theft. This will help prevent fraudulent activities and ensure the agency is aware of the theft.